Annually, 40% of food supply in the United States is wasted, equaling about 133 billion pounds. This is equivalent to each resident throwing away 400 pounds of food each year or each person throwing away 1,223 average sized apples each year.

Food recovery is the act of collecting and donating edible food that would otherwise go to waste. The reduction of food waste can be practiced on all levels at restaurants, farms, grocery stores, schools, and even in the home. Edible unwanted food can be donated to local or national organizations before it is spoiled. Donations, whether it is a handful of products or a truck load of shelf stable produce, increase food insecurity and reduces waste.  

Giving food locally, to a community fridge or food pantry, or donating through food collection apps, are effective and local ways to reduce waste and feed to community.  

Use the resources within this tab to better understand where you can start your waste reduction journey as an organization, business or community member, but first, get inspired by watching the video below to see how one small project can affect a whole community!

Note: These resources are not exhaustive. If you notice important information missing, please let us know! This library of information will continue to grow alongside our coalition.

Food Recovery Apps

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